Young and old lined up on New Brighton beach to back the campaign for a clean energy future.

About 80 people turned up at the pier on Saturday to join Hands Across the Sand.

"People are gathered at the beach today in symbolic defence of our land and oceans from dangerous fossil fuel exploration and extraction; and to demand action on climate change," said Green MP Mojo Mathers.

Hands Across the Sand is a worldwide event that has been held for three consecutive years by local grassroots group Oil Free Otautahi.

Mathers talked to the crowd about New Zealand's opportunities to pursue a green economy by making the most of clean energy technologies.

Oil Free Otautahi organiser Siana Fitzjohn said in the lead-up to this year's election New Zealand's leaders must be pushed to make socially and environmentally responsible choices that will ensure a clean energy future.

The event was one of many that would keep environmental issues at the forefront of people's minds.